Withered - Chapter 34: Chapter 34

"His current temperature is 42°C and if it above it could cause serious brain damage. We've already given immediate medical treatment, and for now, let him rest." The Son's personal doctors explain and slowly lift the comforter, sighing as he examines Chaeyoung's feet. "Why did he force himself to walk when he sprained his ankle? It's swelled really bad. How can he bear the pain" He questions and shake his head, eyeing the Myoui that stand beside the sleeping Chaeyoung and Mina sitting on the chair, staring blankly into space.
"We're going to reduce the swelling first and then perform a CT scan when he already awake. Same for his arms, his bones are broken because of the impact it receives when he fainted. We'll be going to put a cast soon. He's asleep because of exhaustion so no need to worry but please take care of him in the future" The doctor says firmly, sounds like he's scolding the family or more to Mina since she's his wife---as for how Mr Myoui introduces themselves to the doctor an hour ago--- "I'll take my leave" The Myoui bowed and thanking the doctor then avert their attention to the cub. They don't fail to hear the doctor mumbling something as he walks out of the room with a few nurses This kid! Standing in the rain when having a fever? Is he trying to kill himself?!
Mrs Myoui tells Sana and Momo to go back home since the golden sun starts painting the dark sky into a bright blue. The two hesitantly obliges knowing that they can't miss their classes. Sana sigh and hug her youngest sister before moving to Chaeyoung. She brushes his bang aside and places a quick peck on his forehead, not realizing the intense stare Mina thrown at her. "You're way cooler than this, hurry and get back to your awesome self, tiger, see you tomorrow," She says, smiling softly. She's about to leave but gets pushes away by the eater maniac.
Momo leans closer and gently cup the younger's cheeks "Sick stinks. You rock. Please get well soon. I love you our cub~" Sana grins when she caught Mina gripping the bedsheet. She wants to tease her but thinking that now is not a good time, considering Chaeyoung is unwell. Plus, deep down, she is still mad at her sister for neglecting Chaeyoung's health condition.
Both Tzuyu and Dahyun is outside the town, one for a camp and the other is participating in a musical competition, as a representative for his college. They couldn't come and can only rely on their girlfriend and fiance to watch over Chaeyoung and will visit him first things first when they arrive home. They already ring Mr Kim---the family personal doctor---asking for good care of their brother.
"Heung Min---I mean Mr Son is still inside the aeroplane, on the way to here from Jeju" Mr Myoui point out as he ends the phone call. His wife nods and taps his arms to gain his attention. She then motions him to leave the room and gives Mina some time alone. He understands and quickly disappears, waiting for his wife outside the room. She stands from the couch and walks towards her daughter "Your father and I will buy some food, so Chae could eat some when he wakes up. And for you too"
"I'm not hung---"
"The baby is" Mrs Myoui cut in the headstrong Mina. She bends down and gently caresses the latter's small bump. "Don't forget your responsibility Mina yah, I really care for this beautiful little baby" She says, giving advice before smile widely thinking about her granddaughter.
"I will never understand the pain you've been through and I know it hurts you so much than I could imagine, but Chae is like my son too, and I love him. If you could just appreciate him and care for him, even a little because I can feel his sincerity, so why don't you? My son is hurting too, and I feel bad for not knowing that he actually sick and not there to replace his mother as like what I promised. So, please Mina yah" Mrs Myoui eyes get teary as she holds her daughter's hand then pulls her into a hug. She isn't sure what the latter is thinking because Mina hasn't given any reaction and most of the time, sitting on the chair while staring at Chaeyoung.
* * * *
Chaeyoung adjusts his vision, blinking for a few times as various colour dance before him. He closes his eyes tightly for the last time before opening it. He groans when the dizziness comes hitting him, like a thousand of pins and needles poking on his head while he still trying to figure out where he is and what has happened.
"You awake"
He turns his head to the side, and watch Mina staring at him holding a wood knitting tool and unfinished blue scarf. The girl stands and places her things on the bedside table. "I'll call the doctor for CT scan," She says emotionlessly then leave the scene. Chaeyoung sigh when he predicts that he's probably lost his consciousness that explains the sudden blackout he feels last night and Mina must have taken him to the hospital.
After the checkup, he goes with a cast on his right arms supported by a shoulder sling. A short leg cast on his left feet and a bandage on his left hand. Now he could only put his hope on his right feet since that's the only part that could actually function.
He's sitting on the bed with the help of a few pillows, maintaining his position. Don't know why but the room seems so spacious for Chaeyoung, maybe because they're the only one or the awkward and tense silence that engulfed them, or maybe both. He unconsciously steals a glance towards the girl over and over again. Feels like he wants to runs and escape this uncomfortable situation. Mina keeps with her knitting---fully focused on it, while Chaeyoung blinks his eyes in annoyance because of his long bangs that poking his eyes.
He sighs when he tries to sweep his bang to the side but can't move either of his hands, shaking his head which makes it worst. So, he leaves with one choice, puffing his lower lips out and blow air upward to clear the hair on his face. He giggles quietly watching his bangs lifts up, not sure why he finds it very amusing. Since it's working little by little, he then blows harder, and continuously. With concentration and too much-having 'fun', he's unaware of Mina's gaze that staring at him, thinking if he hurt his head too.
"Stop, you're disturbing"
Chaeyoung immediately stops, pressing his lips together and hang her head down. Mina takes off his elastic band and leans closer to him, slowly lifting his chin. Their eyes meet and Chaeyoung stares at her unreadable expression.
Mina gathers his bangs, pulls it up which earn a whimper from Chaeyoung. She ties it and makes it stick upward, looking somehow like a coconut tree. Or Nobita with his take-copter, now he just needs to fly away. (to Mina's heart hah)
The younger thanks her and just like that they are back to silence. Mina continues her knitting while Chaeyoung is afraid to start a conversation.
"I heard Chae is up!" Mrs Myoui brags through the door with his husband following behind, carrying a homemade food she made---reasons why they take so long. Both Chaeyoung and Mina jolt since it's super quiet when suddenly they heard a high pitched voice. He smiles and greets them, faces lighten when he sees the food.
"Woah! Food!!" He excitedly says, trying to grab the plastic bag when he suddenly pulled into a tight hug from Mrs Myoui. "Mother....my...arms..." He whines. She quickly breaks the hug and worriedly asks him if he needs anything or if he feels pain anywhere else. He shakes his head, and laugh seeing Mrs Myoui worried expression. Which definitely he receive a flick on his forehead afterwards.
"Mom, I'll just leave since you're already here" Mina casually says and picks up her things. The laughter and jokes disappear as soon as the latter walks out of the room. Chaeyoung turns his head to the side, looking out the window, he doesn't want to witness Mina leaving him. Again. He starts to give up. He thought that maybe it's his fault for forcing himself to her, and he should respect her decision and let her go. And that's what he is doing now. So, he'll just pray that Mina will come back to his arms, waiting, and waiting patiently, no matter how long it takes.
* * * *
Tzuyu laughs at Dahyun's story of accidental fart when he's performing on his piano. Saying that he's too nervous that he felt nausea and sudden stomachache. They are in the hospital, hanging around to cheer their buddy. But all the effort to make the latter laugh failed when he seems not interested and spiritless. Chaeyoung only gives a small smile and continue what he's doing.
He is decorating a small colouring book with pictures of flowers and penguin stickers on the cover. He's been writing something for the past two weeks in the hospital. Mina never shows up after she left the other day.
I really miss you baby and of course your mother. Dad is a bit sick right now. Have some fever, I hope you'll never get sick, it's not a good feeling. What about mom? Is she doing well? Haha, definitely she is. Mom and dad are not fighting. Mom just a bit tired so she stays at home. Dad, reallllllllly loves you and mom....dad realllllly miss both of you.
He stops when he notices a teardrop falls on the paper, blurring his handwriting. He rubs his palm against his face and closes the book. Though he can only write with his left hand, considering the other still have it cast on, he tries his best to make it readable at least to himself.
Tzuyu and Dahyun sigh, they wanted to help but there's nothing they could do for him. Even their girlfriend and fiance do not mention anything about Mina and they don't have the dare to ask about her. But weirdly enough, though they could feel Chaeyoung's longing for the girl, he never directly question them about her. They are happy that he's physically recovered but not emotionally. Concerned on how much he's damaged inside but have the ability to smiles brightly to them or to Mr and Mrs Myoui meaning that he's fine.
* * * *
It's past 10 pm and Chaeyoung couldn't sleep, he never was. He's just relying on sleeping pills or just staring blankly at the ceiling until he falls into dreamland. Today is no different but something caught his attention. The silver of moonlight spills into the room.
He slowly gets up and steps by step walking towards the window. At least I have a companion He thought, ---referring to the moon, as he stands before the glass window. It's a cloudless night and no stars at all, just the moon speckled darkness.
He closes his eyes, taking a deep breath, feeling calmer than he ever was. His ear perks when he heard the sound of the door creaking and soon a pair of hands sliding from his side then wrap around his waist. He smiles softly, feeling the familiar warmth and that hands that he'll always dream to hold.
"You come back" He whispers.